A Guy’s Guide: Surviving Job Loss

Let’s face it. Job security is a thing of the past. The economy is so bad right now that chances are you, or someone you know has had to face up to the prospect of losing their job. You’ll make it. And we’re here to offer a slap on the back and a few bits of advice, guy to guy. So whether you call it getting “laid off” or “redundancy” as they do in the UK, it still sucks. We’re here to help.

I feel your pain; I’ve been there, done it and bought the T-Shirt.  If you find yourself in this position, you probably share the experience with a lot of friends and family. Although I’m no expert, over the last year I have had a lot of experience in dealing with this by product of an economic downturn… Which is where this guide comes in.  It’s not a holy grail to avoid getting the can, nor is it a bible to ensure you don’t get screwed over. What it is, though, is a few tips that will hopefully make the whole process a bit easier.

It’s not personal:

Whether you work in a large company or a small one the decision to let you go will boil down to the same thing – Money.  It may be cheaper to relocate your department elsewhere or it may be that the function you perform is no longer cost effective, ether way it’s down to cash, nothing else.
In short, it’s nothing you did or didn’t do it’s simply about the numbers.

Do not have false hope:

During a period of mass lay-offs a company may have to go through a consultation period. This period is a time for the workers to suggest alternatives to the upcoming closure/relocation or job cull. This unfortunately does not mean there is a chance to save your job.

If the company has made this decision then they have explored all other options. They are going to do it anyway and the consultation period is probably a legal requirement nothing more.  It’s best you accept that your job is gone and start focusing on what you are going to do next.

Be a model employee:

The temptation will be to think screw it –  I don’t care anymore, and I’m willing to bet that most of your colleagues will do just that. However, there are a couple of very good reasons to still work your hardest in those last few months.  The first is to keep getting a pay check. You want to keep getting paid while you look for another job and the better employees are the ones that are kept on til the end. Trust me it’s far easier to find a job while you have one than when you are out of work.

Secondly, you want something better than money — a decent reference.  Most companies will give you a standard reference when you leave but what you want is that personal one, the glowing reference from your boss (or even his boss) that says what a great guy you are, and that they would hire you again in a heartbeat. This is what’s going to help get you another job, so work for that.

Look out for number one:

It’s true you are all in the same boat but the person that matters most in this is you. We’re not saying it’s time to stab your co workers in the back but don’t be fooled into thinking they have your best interests at heart. They don’t; and chances are, they might just stab you in the back instead.

If you get a lead on a new role, then keep it to yourself.

If you get a lead on a new role, then keep it to yourself. By all means, offer that information around after you have secured your own future; but these people are you competitors and will be fighting for the same roles as you.  Take any overtime offered to you. Don’t feel guilty about it. Just remember that you need it as much as they do even if they have more kids, bills, or whatever.

Retention bonus:

As we mentioned before, the better employees get kept on until the end. Now this may not be the ones who were the best at their jobs but it will be the ones who cause the least amount of aggravation during the final days.  If the reason for you being laid off is due to company relocation then they may offer you a retention bonus to stay on and train the new staff.

You want to keep getting paid while you look for another job and the better employees are the ones that are kept on until the end.

On the one hand, this will mean a guaranteed job till the end coupled with a big fat payout. On the other, this will tie you to not being able to start a new job till that period runs out.  I can’t give you a definitive answer on this one; it falls down to personal circumstances. You have to weigh up how much they are offering against whether you could earn that in a new job.

Once you are tied to that agreement if you dream job comes along before the end you will lose that promised payout so as they say in the movies, choose wisely.

Hit up those contacts:

We don’t just mean job agencies; we’re talking friends, family extended family, postman etc. You need to maximize your chances of finding a new job so call in every favour and milk every contact. People understand why you are hassling them, so don’t feel badly — you will feel a hell of a lot worse if you miss out on something due to fear of upsetting someone.

Another good tip is a blanket CV/resume drop. Do a quick internet search and check out all the companies in your area, get hold of the name of someone in Human Resources and send them your CV. A lot of companies don’t accept unsolicited resumes or CVs, but you might be surprised by the number of businesses that don’t have such an iron curtain in place.

Finally, it’s always worth keeping a copy of your CV in the car.  You’ve probably met people who have found new jobs when they are out shopping, at the gym and even dropping a kid off at school.  Going that extra mile and being prepared is a very valuable skill to an employer and that is a great way to show it.

Set a deadline:

You need to be practical, that perfect job may not appear straight away so you need to consider how long you can be out of work without putting a strain on the finances.  So set a timescale and if you don’t find something by the end of it start looking at temp work or stuff you wouldn’t normally consider. Like we said, it’s easier to find a job when you have one than when you are out of work. It certainly takes the pressure off and allows you to keep a clear head.

Chill out:

Honestly this is the best piece of advice we can give.  In a way getting laid off is worse than getting fired, at least with being fired you don’t have to carry on working for a couple of months, it’s all over in one shot.  The notice period will be hard but try not to get two stressed out by it.

Whatever it is you enjoy doing try to find some time to do it. That is what is going to keep you sane.

Don’t give up on your life completely, you will be no good to anyone if you arrive at the end of this thing so burnt out that you can’t function.  Yes, you want to find a new job, and yes, you want that overtime; but still try to take some “me” time even if it’s just for a couple of hours.  Whatever it is you enjoy doing try to find some time to do it, that is what is going to keep you sane.

Lastly, we wish you all the luck in the world.  Just remember that everyone goes through this once in their lives, and that with the help of friends and family you will get through this. And who knows? Getting laid off may lead to something better coming along…